Hurricane Helene updates: Death toll surpasses 230 as rescue efforts continue
Helene unleashed devastation across the Southeast.
More than 230 people have been killed from Hurricane Helene, which unleashed devastation across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a massive Category 4 hurricane, has become the deadliest mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005.
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Hurricane Helene winds increase to 140 mph
Hurricane Helene has grown stronger as it nears landfall, with sustained winds of 140 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
As of 9 p.m. ET, the hurricane was 65 miles west of Cedar Key, Florida, and 90 miles south of Tallahassee.
The hurricane is moving at 24 mph and is still on track to make landfall between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET.
Extreme wind warning issued for Tallahassee area
The National Weather Service issued an extreme wind warning for three cities in the Tallahassee area on Thursday night.
The warning is in effect until midnight in Perry, Madison and Monticello.
"Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!" the agency said.
Hurricane Helene in photos
As Florida is bracing for Hurricane Helene to make landfall, heavy rain and winds are battering Florida's Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Helene nearing Florida's northeast Gulf Coast
Hurricane Helene's landfall is expected in the next few hours -- likely between 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. -- as a major Category 4 in Florida's Big Bend region.
As of 8 p.m. ET, hurricane-force gusts extend outward 60 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm-force gusts extend outward 310 miles from the center.
Some additional strengthening is possible before the center reaches Florida's coast on Thursday.
Although weakening is expected after Helene moves inland, the storm is moving fast and it is powerful. Damaging wind gusts will penetrate well inland across the Southeastern states.
Ahead of Helene's landfall, there was a 76 mph gust reported in St. Pete.